BRL-CAD vs SOLIDWORKS
BRL-CAD
brlcad.orgSOLIDWORKS
solidworks.comSide by side
| Figure | BRL-CAD | SOLIDWORKS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $4/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.1 (#29) | 9.1 (#2) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.2 (#58) | 8.9 (#15) |
| Animation tools | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1979 | 1993 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Parametric modeling | Yes | Yes |
| Platform access | desktop | both |
| 3D print export | Yes | Yes |
| Render engine | built-in | built-in |
| Support | The documentation says all users can access symposia, workshops, a user's group, and mailing lists; the full-service distribution includes technical assistance. | Online purchases include technical support and access to getting-started resources covering installation, onboarding and tutorials. |
Plans
BRL-CAD
- Free BRL-CAD distributionFree
- Full-service support distributionPriced on request
SOLIDWORKS
- SOLIDWORKS Design Standard with Cloud Services$2,820 a year
- SOLIDWORKS Design Professional with Cloud Services$3,456 a year
- SOLIDWORKS Design Premium with Cloud Services$4,716 a year
- SOLIDWORKS for Makers$48 a year
In their own words
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS provides 3D software for creating, simulating, publishing, and managing product data. SOLIDWORKS Design supports parts, assemblies, drawings, sheet-metal, and framing workflows; the portfolio also includes simulation tools for evaluating performance, efficiency, and durability. The installed Design application can work offline. With Cloud Services, it connects to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for collaboration and data management, including sharing and marking up designs and managing revisions. Browser-based xDesign tools provide modeling without a local installation. Standard with Cloud Services costs $2,820 a year for a single machine-locked device, excluding local taxes. Professional costs $3,456 a year and Premium costs $4,716 a year, each for a single user and excluding local taxes. A Makers plan costs $48 a year for personal, non-commercial use, and Design Standard is free for students. The listed platforms include macOS, web, and Windows, though client SOLIDWORKS products list Windows 10 and Windows 11 64-bit support; eDrawings for Mac lists supported macOS releases. Online purchases include support, and orders can be canceled and refunded within 15 days.